The Fisherman Friends need little introduction. They are credited with the revival of traditional shanty music.
Jason Langley as Danny, James Gaddas as Jim and the company | Photo Pamela Raith
Their lives were transformed from singing on the Platt at Port Isaac to celebrity status on the Pyramid Stage, but one thing remained; their extraordinary friendship and glorious musicianship brought a little bit of Cornwall to a worldwide audience.
Hot off the back of two globally successful films, the stage version is a neat excuse for some of the best vocals and actor-musicians you can possibly find.
The plot is their journey from fishermen singing for charity through to their meteoric rise to stardom. Whilst it begins to look at the individual characters and some hints at subplots, the music is constant, and it becomes a celebration of a traditional cultural phenomenon.
Led by James Gaddas (Jim) the sense of friendship and family values run strong. He is an emotionally damaged father and son who desperately wants the world to stay the same whilst it gallops on around him.
Parisa Shahmir as his daughter, Alwyn, a songstress who is happy with her Cornish life is quite exceptional. Vocals are stunning and her own song, The Tidal Pool, is evocative of the folk traditions of the county.
The team of “Friends” are all flawless vocally, bringing huge energy, individuality and joy to the stage. It is infectious and uplifting and, in many ways, who could possibly wish it to end?
The multipurpose design by Lucy Osborne of the quayside is clever although very clean and bright, whilst the boat feature is effective and atmospherically lit by Johanna Town.
A welcome distraction from the daily woes, another show that could be on prescription.
Unsurprisingly they bring the house down to a standing ovation, which was well deserved.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
